How to Take Iron & Vitamin B Together

Iron and B vitamins can be taken together without difficulty.

Iron and B vitamins are vital nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. Food sources such as meat and eggs are rich sources of both nutrients. If you need additional iron and B vitamins through supplementation, the two nutrients can easily be taken together. Follow your doctor's orders on the recommended amount of daily intake.

Role of Iron and B Vitamins

Erythrocytes, or red blood cells, require adequate and consistent intake of iron and vitamin B-12. If you have recently been diagnosed with anemia, a deficiency of iron or vitamin B-12 may the cause. Iron and vitamin B-12, along with folate, also known as vitamin B-9, are required to make healthy red blood cells. In the case you are diagnosed with anemia, your doctor may have prescribed a daily supplement of iron, folate and vitamin B-12 in addition to a diet rich in the nutrients. B vitamins also help your body turn the food you eat into energy. Iron and B-complex vitamins do not interact negatively with each other, so there are no concerns about taking the two supplements at the same time.

Sources of Iron

The richest source of iron is available in seafood and lean meats. These foods contain heme iron, which is better absorbed than nonheme iron. Beans, some vegetables, fortified grains and nuts contain nonheme iron. Iron is available in several forms of supplementation. Ferrous and ferric iron salts are the most frequently found forms of iron in supplements. Calcium can interfere with iron absorption. If you take calcium supplements, take iron at a different time during the day.

Sources of B Vitamins

Most iron-rich foods, including meats, poultry, eggs and fortified grains, are also rich in B vitamins. While milk is not high in iron, it is a rich source of B vitamins. Absorption of vitamin B-12 largely depends on your body's capability of making intrinsic factor. If malabsorption is an issue, vitamin B-12 can be received by intramuscular injection. Vitamin B-6 supplements are absorbed well by the body but quickly eliminated in urine if not used.

Considerations with Iron and B Vitamins

Often, multivitamins will contain both iron and B vitamins along with several other vitamins and minerals. Take into consideration that while iron and B vitamins can be taken together, other factors can decrease their absorption, including interactions with other nutrients and medications. If you are taking metformin, chloramphenicol, H2 receptor antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, levodopa, methotrexate, anti-epileptic medications, sulfasalazine or levothyroxine, discuss iron and B vitamins interactions with your doctor before taking any supplements.

About the Author

Rebecca Slayton is a Registered Dietitian and has worked in the nutrition field since 2006. Slayton received the 2005 Betty Feezor Scholarship Award for her studies. She holds a Master of Science in food and nutrition from East Carolina University.